Elizabeth Leigh “Libby” Pegram Cleveland, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, artist, and friend, passed away on June 29, 2026, in Dimmitt, Texas, at the age of 89. Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the First Methodist Church of Dimmitt, at 2:00 PM with Rev’s Rusty Dickerson and Eliezer Garrido officiating. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Colonial Funeral Home of Dimmitt, Texas. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Born on July 21, 1936, in Coleman, Texas, Libby lived a life defined by love, purpose, and unwavering dedication to her family, her students, and her faith. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Cleveland—the love of her life and her best friend since the fifth grade. Their lifelong love story was one of steadfast devotion and partnership, inspiring everyone who knew them.
Libby is survived by her three children: daughter Beth Buckley and her husband, Darrell, of Wolfforth, Texas; daughter Vicki Steller and her husband, Joel, of Tuttle, Oklahoma; and son Kevin Cleveland and his wife, Lori, of Euless, Texas.
She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jacy Roberson and her husband, Brandon; Caitlin Riley and her husband, Lincoln; Adam Fretwell and his wife, Stephanie; Bryan Fretwell; Eric Cleveland and his wife, Chloe; and Alex Cleveland and his wife, Cassidy. Her greatest joy continued with her eleven great-grandchildren: Brooks and Barrett Roberson; Sloan and Stella Riley; Garrett, Sadie, and Peyton Fretwell; and Tristan, Theodore, and Wesley Cleveland. Nothing brought her more happiness than watching her family grow and celebrating each new generation.
For decades, Libby devoted her life to teaching mathematics, believing that every student could succeed with patience, encouragement, and determination. She had a remarkable gift for making learning meaningful and inspired countless students throughout her career. Beyond the classroom, she was affectionately known as “Ms. Libby” to generations of basketball players whose lives she enriched through her encouragement, support, and genuine belief in each of them.
Libby’s talents and interests reached far beyond teaching. She was a gifted artist, loved singing in her church choir, found joy in exercising, and possessed an endless curiosity about the world. She never stopped learning and approached each day with enthusiasm and purpose.
Those who knew Libby will remember her as curious, authentic, passionate, energetic, determined, loyal, supportive, independent, and wonderfully spunky. She had a generous heart, and a steadfast spirit that carried her through life’s challenges. She loved deeply, gave generously, and left every person she met feeling valued and encouraged.
Her legacy lives on not only through her family but also through the countless students she taught, the church she faithfully served, and the many lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in imagining the joyful reunion she had long awaited. After 33 years apart, they take comfort in believing Libby is once again with Kenneth, the love of her life, whose absence she carried with her every day. Together again, their enduring love story continues beyond this life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or to your favorite charity in Libby’s name.
You can go online and sign the guestbook at www.colonialfuneralhome. org